Employment

Working on campus

If you are registered as a full-time international student, you may work on campus at OCAD U for as long as your study permit is valid. You do not need a work permit.

There are a limited number of on-campus jobs available for international students through the International Student Work Experience Program (ISWEP). ISWEP opportunities vary from year to year and are posted on the OCAD U Talent Network at the beginning of September.

Working off campus

If you are a full-time undergraduate student with a valid study permit, you may work off-campus up to 20 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during scheduled school breaks and holidays.

If you are a full-time graduate student with a valid study permit, you may only work off campus up to 20 hours per week at any time as a graduate programs require continuous enrollment. The only exception is if you are required to do a full-time internship for your program of study. In this case, you will need to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for a co-op work permit.

Working after graduation

The Post-Graduation Employment Program is designed to provide graduating international students with Canadian work experience. You may be eligible to work in Canada for up to three years after graduating.

The work permit that is issued is "open." This means that there are no restrictions on the type of employment and you do not need to have a job offer at the time you apply.

You must apply for the post-graduation work permit within 90 days of receiving official notification from OCAD U that you have completed your degree requirements and have been approved to graduate. Your study permit must still be valid at the time you apply for the work permit.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

If you are going to work in Canada, either on campus or off campus, you will need to apply to the government for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Your employer cannot pay you until you have this number.

You can apply for a SIN card at a Service Canada office. The closest Service Canada office to OCAD U is at City Hall at 100 Queen St. West. You will need to bring the following documents with you: